Nature Detectives at Fern Forest Nature CenterIf your child would like to explore nature this summer, consider Nature Detectives at Fern Forest Nature Center, an adventure for children ages 8 to 11. Weekly sessions run June 20-24 and August 1-5. Each day's program runs from 9 a.m. to noon, with different topics daily. Topics covered include: tropical hardwood hammock and cypress maple swamp exploration; prairie habitat exploration and investigation into its inhabitants; a closer look at ponds, creeks, and canals and the critters that live in them; exploration of an oak, pine, and palm community and its associated animals; and understanding the big picture at Fern Forest.

The fee is $75 per child for the week. Parents can preregister by phone at 954-357-5198 or in person at the nature center. Payment is expected at the time of registration. Space is limited.

Summer Horse Camps at Tradewinds Park & StablesAre your children interested in horses? Do they keep asking for a pony? Equestrian camp is an opportunity for children ages 9 through 16 to get real experience caring for horses on a daily basis. There will also be riding instruction (weather permitting) and instruction in grooming, saddling, horse care and maintenance, tack and equipment, and other activities.

The Trailblazers Camp (beginner/intermediate) is offered in four-day sessions: June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23, and June 27-30. Camp is from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Camp fees are $300 per four days. The Horsemasters Camp (advanced) is also offered in four-day sessions: July 11-14, July 18-21, August 1-4, and August 8-11. Camp is held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Camp fees are $400 per four days. All camp participants must wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Participants should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel. Students must bring their own snacks and lunch. Space is limited. To find out more or to register your child, call 954-357-8720 or 954-357-8870. You can also register online by clicking:

Junior Farmers' Camps at Tradewinds Park & StablesThe Junior Farmers' Camps provide an introduction to basic farming techniques as well as contact with the park's barnyard animals to ages 5 to 8. The camps are in half-day sessions, from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Kids may participate in as many camps as desired, at a cost of $40 per session. The camp is offered Mondays to Thursdays, June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23, and June 27-30. Preregistration is required by calling of visiting the park office.

Summer Recreation at Neighborhood ParksMondays through Fridays • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (early dropoff available from 8 to 9 a.m. and late pickup from 5 to 6 p.m.) For ages 6 to 17 (6 to 10 at Boulevard Gardens and 13 to 17 at Sunview). Starts on June 20 and ends on August 12; no program on Monday, July 4. Note: Lafayette Hart Park will not participate in this year's Summer Recreation Program.

4-H All About Animals and Veterinary Science CampsExtension Education's 4-H Section will offer two camps this summer. The first camp, All About Animals, is open to ages 9 to 13, and will be Monday through Friday, June 13-17. The cost is $225/person. The second camp, Veterinary Science Camp, is open to ages 14 to 17, and will be offered Monday through Wednesday, August 8-10. This program is designed to expose youth interested in a career in veterinary medicine to large-animal, small-animal, and wildlife medicine through hands-on labs and field trips. The Veterinary Science Camp will travel to multiple locations throughout the county. In an effort to maximize opportunities for campers while keeping transportation costs low, camp will meet in a different location each morning of the week. Preregistration is required for both camps. For times and additional details, call 954-357-5278.